Friday Morning Brief May 9, 2025

May 8

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Assemblyman Ron Kim

Assemblymember Ron Kim joins us to discuss his Queens-based district, priorities, and passion for public service, including advocating on behalf of his community. Even before being elected to the Assembly, he'd been in public service, working for various lawmakers and NYC agencies. Currently, he is Chair of the Assembly Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts, and Sports Development. He also serves on various committees, including on Education, Housing, and Governmental Operations.

What district do you represent?
I represent Assembly District 40, which is in Queens, New York.

Any landmarks or restaurants in your district that you want to highlight
I represent the most number of mom-and-pop stores in all the districts in New York, and am very proud to represent the one and only Main Street in New York City. Our district is also rich in culture, with about 120 languages spoken, and places like Flushing Town Hall have been a staple for our community. We also have a growing, vibrant arts community that I am proud to support.

What’s your favorite music? Any favorite bands/artists?
I was a 90s kid in New York City, so I have a soft spot for 90s hip-hop and neo-soul music. Mos Def is one of my favorite artists. I used to go to spoken-word cafes where he performed before he became famous.

What is your favorite NY sports team?
I grew up watching the Jets practice on Long Island. When I was a kid, my high school coach used to take us to watch them. So, I grew attached to the Jets. And, of course, the Mets. I like to tell people I was named after Ron Darling, a famous Mets pitcher. My family and I immigrated to Flushing in 1987, and the Mets won the World Series a year later. I became naturally attached to the Mets.

What was your profession before becoming an Assemblymember?
I've been in public service most of my adult life, out of college and after grad school. Before I ran for the Assembly seat 12 years ago, I worked as a lobbyist for the Parkside Group for less than a year, representing about four to five nonprofit organizations that continue to do amazing work.

As the Chair of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, what issues do you see arising this year or any issues you want to tackle?
During the budget talks, we are trying to get a number for the Arts and Parks Department that will meet the needs and demands of our constituents across New York. To many people's surprise, in places like upstate New York, parts of the suburbs, and Long Island this sector is tied [in terms of economic impact] with agriculture when it comes to generating growth and importance for these communities. When people visit these amazing state parks, they spend money locally on their diners, restaurants, and art institutions. So, every dollar we put in gets $10 to $15 back of economic impact for the arts community. There are so many small arts organizations that are getting lost and are not getting funded, so we're trying to make sure that the New York State Council of Arts has enough funding this year to reach out to all these small arts groups. The growing number of artists is a huge sector of our local economy in New York City. We are also working on updating our ticketing laws. The law expires every three years, and my committee is in charge in the Assembly of ensuring that the next iteration of the ticketing laws will help make tickets affordable to consumers. It’s something that we will focus on post-budget.

Are there any specific local issues impacting your district that you want to address?
I’m very focused on helping older adults and those living isolated lives and ensuring they have access to proper health care to age with integrity and dignity at home. This is something that I oversaw for almost four years as chair of the Aging Committee in the Assembly. And I continue to do that work on the local front because we do have a serious aging crisis with so many older adults living longer without the proper care at home and in our communities. And instead of being ahead of this curve, we're behind on that. So many people are getting lost and have no option but to enter facilities to get institutionalized care. But I think we can do more to ensure they can stay at home and age in place with dignity.

Are there any statewide issues you want to address this year?
The elephant in the room is the federal government. We are very anxious about what the cuts will look like and what we need to do as a state to help the people, organizations, and programs that the cuts will impact. It will impact virtually everything and everyone, from the arts, Medicaid, older adults, schools, social welfare, and more. So, the federal cuts are a big question mark right now. Even though all the cuts have not been finalized yet, we have seen some impact on our public sector. As a state, we need to respond with force and lay a foundation for what we view as the proper course for building a proper public-private balance in our economy. Under President Trump and Musk, they want to eliminate the public sector and privatize everything. That is not how our democracy was designed. Our democracy is designed on a balanced public-private partnership that supports our economic growth on all fronts. We need to respond and offer a something different.

What advice would you give to young people, especially those in immigrant communities, who want to be more involved in politics?
Putting yourself in uncomfortable positions, challenging yourself, and finding something you feel passionate about behind public service. You know you're doing something worthwhile when you're the first to show up and the last to leave, even when no one is watching you. And I think so many young immigrants and Asian American folks I see enter public service all around me in Albany have a purpose and passion that I didn't even have when I was their age. And it's a beautiful thing to watch because we have the next generation of leaders that is ready to take up the baton and stand up for our communities.

Any last comments?
Going back to my point about the public-private balance, everything boils down to making our economy work again for working people and the middle class. For the last 30 to 40 years, our middle class has been shrinking. And if the middle class shrinks, everything fails. Many people who are in the middle class, instead of being compassionate about people in the lower income bracket, are so paranoid and living in fear that they're just pulling up the ladder behind them. And that's not how we used to function when the middle class was strong. There's no camaraderie now. That's why our economy has to be centered on strengthening and growing the middle class. That's why we must also focus on listening to what people say on the ground, like public safety. The left and progressives can't discount how important it is for immigrant working people to feel safe going to work, getting on the subway, going to school. That's the bread and butter of public service. We need to work together to deliver for working and middle class people within this budget and beyond, one policy at a time.

Are you a public official or staffer that would like to be featured in our spotlight? If so, reach out to your favorite D&A team member or contact us at team@dickinsonavella.com to set up an interview!

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Legislature Passes $254 Billion Final Budget

This week, the final budget bills for the $254 billion FY26 Budget were introduced and passed after being almost 40 days late, the latest in 15 years. Notably, yesterday's day of votes and debates of the budget bills ended earlier than expected, with the Assembly concluding before the Senate. With the final budget bills including all of her top policy priorities, Hochul views the budget as a victory and has been touting it in a statewide "We Got It Done" tour.

Approved by lawmakers, the state’s discovery law will now require the courts to consider the prosecutor’s evidence as a whole and whether any missing evidence prejudiced the defense to prevent cases from being thrown out over insignificant mistakes. Additionally, the scope of evidence that must be disclosed will be narrowed, eliminating the need to seek certain materials irrelevant to the charges against the defendant. Prosecutors can also obtain discoverable evidence if they exercised good faith and due diligence. Lastly, prosecutors will have more protections against the speedy trial clock. Changes to the state's discovery laws was a major sticking point between Hochul and Legislature, leading to many lawmakers to criticize Hochul to wanting to rollback the state's 2019 criminal justice reforms.

On involuntary commitment, lawmakers approved to broaden involuntary commitment by ensuring that individuals could be involuntary committed by either two physicians or a physician and a psychiatric NP if "due to an inability or refusal, as a result of their mental illness, to provide for their own essential needs such as food, clothing, necessary medical care, personal safety, or shelter." However, lawmakers were able to include language that the discharged patients after their involuntary commitment would be provided with additional mental health and support services. Although approved by lawmakers, many, including the Senate Mental Health Chair, warned that the state still needs to do more than involuntary commitment.

Hochul’s last-minute proposal to include mask restrictions in the final budget was also approved by lawmakers with watered-down language. Hochul initially wanted to include a bill that would create a new crime for individuals using masks “for the primary purpose of menacing or threatening violence against another person or placing another person or group of persons in reasonable fear for their physical safety. However, many lawmakers heavily criticize the proposal due to the Trump Administration, criminal justice, and public health concerns. Instead, the final budget only includes language to increase penalties for individuals accused of committing a felony or Class A misdemeanor.

On Hochul’s bell-to-bell classroom phone ban was approved by lawmakers with minor tweaks. Under the final budget language, K-12 schools will have the authority to implement policies on how to ban cellphone use in school, with a requirement that schools provide a method for parents to contact their children. Hochul heavily advocated for the proposal and explained the proposal as a culmination of efforts to protect students’ mental health.

With the Legislature passing the Final Budget, lawmakers have only 18 more scheduled session days to pass other legislation. However, there have been reports that Speaker Heastie wants to add three more session days to the calendar due to the late budget.

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Last Saturday, Hochul announced the completion of renovations of Robert H. Dietz Memorial Stadium in the City of Kingston as part of a local Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The $22 million renovation project rehabilitated amenities for athletes and visitors and installed new LED stadium lighting. In addition to serving as a major venue for organized sports by local student athletes, the stadium will host several regional and statewide competitions each year. The renovation builds upon previous state investments in local communities through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. “Through our Downtown Revitalization Initiative, we’ve transformed this historic venue into a modern hub for sports, recreation, and public gatherings,” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the completion of 53 new affordable and supportive homes in the Beechwood neighborhood of Rochester. Built through as part of a $27 million scattered Site redevelopment project, the new homes will be prioritized for unhoused or at-risk individuals and families with 51 units reserved for households earning up to 60% of AMI. The completion of the development builds upon Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan and supports her priority to provide supportive affordable housing. “The work completed in the Beechwood neighborhood demonstrates my dedication to New Yorkers and ensuring communities across the state have access to affordable, energy-efficient homes in safe neighborhoods,” said Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul attended a ceremony at the Empire State Plaza to honor the 68 fallen police officers from 11 law enforcement departments. In addition to adding the names of the 68 fallen police officers, Hochul also issued a proclamation to designate May 6 as Police Memorial Day. “Day after day, our law enforcement officers and their families make the ultimate sacrifice in service of their communities, and I am deeply grateful to the brave individuals who dedicate their lives to keeping the public safe,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $4.5 million to establish 10 new Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams. Administered by the state OMH, the latest ACT team is expected to support 360 additional youth with serious mental health issues. Currently, the state hosts 20 Youth ACT teams in 27 counties to provide family therapy, medication management, and peer support. The recent investment in ACT teams builds upon a $1 billion mental health initiative and a priority for youth mental health. “This expansion of our Youth ACT program will help provide more families with this critical support and the services they can rely on to bring their child home after inpatient care or from a residential facility,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in session Monday to Thursday (though various rumors have swirled about possible canceled session days).

Additionally, various reports indicate that members of the legislature (at least the Assembly so far) have been informed that session has been extended into the week of June 16th.

GOP Leaders of the Legislature React to Final Budget

Throughout the budget debate and votes, Republican lawmakers have criticized the size and most of the policies included in the Final Budget. Initially viewed as a positive to some of Hochul’s policy goals, including changes to the state’s discovery laws and restricting mask wearing, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt now says it “will continue to let violent offenders dodge accountability and walk free, putting public safety and law enforcement at risk.” “Actions to address involuntary commitment, discovery reforms, and the statewide mask ban could have gone further,” added Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay.

Aung Hset/D&A

Senate Republicans Criticize Messages of Necessity

On the first day of voting on the final budget bills, Senate Republicans urged Democratic lawmakers to end the practice of using messages of necessity to pass budget bills. Usually, the governor will send a message of necessity for a bill to be voted on to bypass the requirement to age at least 3 days after introduction. Senator Mark Walczyk highlighted and urged lawmakers to pass S48, a constitutional proposal that would restrict the use of messages of necessity. “The necessity is gone,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt of the budget bills.

Senator James Skoufis Critcizes Hochul Over Budget Process

In addition to the GOP’s criticisms of the current budget negotiation process and use of messages of necessity, Senator James Skoufis publicly rebuked the Governor for “having roughshod over a Legislature that is effectively regulated to making suggestions and pleading for scraps.” While Hochul’s spokesperson criticized Skoufis and called it an “Embarrassing, juvenile stunt from a camera-hungry clown,” Skoufis criticized back and invited Hochul "to drive the state roads with me in my district." Skoufis explained that he is “determined to double down on holding the executive branch accountable for its action and inaction, with specific announcements coming in the days and weeks ahead.” The public back-and-forth highlights the possible increased tension between lawmakers and Hochul during the budget negotiations and after Hochul's statewide tour to tout her budget accomplishments.

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Lawmakers Approve Language for Hochul to Cut Midyear State Spending

With concerns about approving a $254 billion final budget amidst looming federal cuts, lawmakers provider Hochuk authorization to make mid-year budget cuts if the state loses at least $2 billion in tax revenue. However, the budget language allows the Legislature to object to any proposed cuts by recommending their own cuts and passing a resolution that Hochul will not have veto power over. “If the governor wants to be able to recommend a series of cuts, the Legislature would have the ability to say ‘no’ or ‘go ahead,’’ explained Heastie. Many lawmakers explained that because the extent of the federal cuts is unclear, the agreement was necessary to ensure that the state can react appropriately.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Approve Funding Plan for the MTA

To fully fund the MTA's $68 billion Capital Plan, Hochul and lawmakers agreed to increase the payroll mobility tax for businesses based in the MTA region with payrolls of $10 million or more by almost 50%. In total, it is expected that the increased payroll mobility tax will generate an additional $1.4 billion for the MTA annually. However, businesses with payrolls less than $1.75 million will have their current payroll mobility tax cut by half. Even with the state implementing an increased payroll mobility tax and additional direct investment for the MTA, the MTA will be directed to find roughly $3 billion in savings. “We welcome the challenge that the Legislature and the Governor put to us to do projects faster, even faster, even better, and even cheaper,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said of the final budget directive.

Final Budget Includes Substantial Equivalency Changes

Another controversial issue lawmakers resolved was the “substantial equivalency” change. Although publicly criticized by the State Education Department, Hochul and leaders of the Legislature approved to allow nonpublic schools to phase in meeting the SED’s stricter substantial equivalency standards through the 2032-2033 school year. While many lawmakers criticized the changes, Speaker Carl Heastie explained that the approved changes are not “loosening” SED’s regulations over nonpublic schools but “allowing yeshivas and schools to get themselves in compliance and explore the multiple pathways that came from SED."

Hochul to Close Three State Correctional Facilities

After the state fired more than 2,000 state correctional officers after a weekslong strike earlier this year, lawmakers approved a budget agreement that will lower the minimum hiring age for correctional officers from 21 to 18. Under the budget language approved by lawmakers, COs under 21 will face stringent conduct rules, including being prohibited from carrying or using firearms, transporting inmates outside of prison, and being supervised when interacting with inmates. Additionally, Hochul will be authorized to close up to three state correctional facilities to address staffing shortages. While GOP lawmakers criticized the move as a threat to public safety and neglecting the needs of COs, Democrat lawmakers explained that the move comes amidst a drop in inmate population.

OTHER UPDATES

Susan Watts/Office of Govenor Kathy Hochul

Feds Officially Opens Criminal Investigation into AG Letitia James

Earlier this week, federal prosecutors officially opened a criminal investigation into AG Letitia James for allegedly falsifying paperwork for getting favorable loans for properties in Virginia and New York. The official criminal investigation comes after the Trump Administration wrote a criminal referral to the federal DOJ for the same allegations. James dismissed the allegations by the Trump Administration as politically motivated retribution, explaining that the allegations were “cherry-picked.” The allegations come after James successfully won a $464 million civil fraud case against President Trump last year and after Trump stripped James’ security clearance in February.

Appellate Court Upheld State's Even Year Election Law

Earlier this week, an Appellate Court ruled that the state’s Even Year Election Law was unanimously ruled as constitutional, overturning an Onondaga County judge’s decision last year. Advocates argue that the law increases voter participation in local elections, while opponents say that the law violates the state’s constitutional rights to home rule. The ruling explains that while the state gives local government “a legislative body elective by the people…neither of those provisions gives a county exclusive local control over the manner in which local elections will be held or the specific details of each office.” Led by Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, he explained that he will appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals.

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